The Mahabharata, an epic poem written over 2,000 years ago in Sanskrit, is one of the most sacred texts of Hinduism, India's majority religion. It tells the story of the Kuru royal family and the epic battle of Kurukshetra between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. In this legendary tale, Krishna, a divine incarnation, plays a central role. In this article, we explore Krishna's life, the key events of the Mahabharata and its influence on Indian culture, literature and religion.

Krishna, the central character of the Mahabharata

Krishna is one of the most beloved and admired figures in Hinduism. He is often considered the divine incarnation of Vishnu, one of the three gods of the Hindu trinity. Originally from the city of Mathura, Krishna was born into the royal Yadava family. His childhood was filled with miracles and prodigies, such as when he killed the demon Putana or freed the village of Vrindavan from the plague of the serpent Kaliya.

In the Mahabharata, Krishna enters the scene as advisor and friend to the Pandavas, who are the heroes of the story. The Pandavas are five brothers, sons of Kunti and Pandu, who were betrayed by their cousins, the Kauravas, and were exiled to the forest. Krishna helped the Pandavas regain their throne and played a major role in the Battle of Kurukshetra.

The great events of the Mahabharata

The Battle of Kurukshetra

The Battle of Kurukshetra is one of the most important events in the Mahabharata. This epic battle lasted 18 days and pitted the Pandavas, led by Arjuna, against their cousins the Kauravas, led by Duryodhana. The battle resulted in the deaths of many great warriors, including Bhishma, Dronacharya, Karna, and finally Duryodhana.

Krishna played a crucial role in the battle. He advised the Pandavas and took on the role of coachman for Arjuna's chariot. He also spoke with Arjuna before the battle began, in a discourse known as the Bhagavad-Gita.

Krishna's teaching to Arjuna

The Bhagavad-Gita discourse is considered one of the most important texts in Indian literature. This dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna took place before the battle began, and is considered one of the most influential conversations in history. In it, Krishna reveals profound teachings on life, death and karma.

Krishna explains to Arjuna that it is his duty to fight and defend justice, even if he has to kill his own relatives and friends. He also explains that life is a cycle, that death is only a change of state and that future lives depend on the karma accumulated in the present life.

Interpretations and influence of the Mahabharata

The Mahabharata is a revered text in India, and its meaning and interpretations vary according to time and region. The text is often seen as an allegory of the struggle between good and evil, light and darkness, but it can also be interpreted as a historical text or a study of character and family relationships.

The Mahabharata has had a considerable influence on Indian culture, literature and religion. It has inspired numerous artists, writers and poets, and has been adapted in many media, including music, theater and film. The teachings of Krishna in the Bhagavad-Gita have also influenced Indian thought and philosophy.

The Mahabharata has also been disseminated outside India, attracting the attention of scholars and the curious worldwide. The text has been translated into many languages, and numerous adaptations, including television series , have been produced.

Conclusion

The Mahabharata is a text that still resonates today in India and throughout the world. With Krishna as its central character, the tale tells a story of struggle, sacrifice and profound teachings. The text is considered a source of wisdom, values and spirituality for Hinduism and the world at large, and continues to have great importance for Indian culture and religion.